Government sues Argentine soccer association for $13.3 million
by Banyeliz Muñoz · UPIBUENOS AIRES, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Argentina's government has escalated legal action against the Argentine soccer association, or AFA, and its leadership, expanding a criminal complaint alleging failure to turn over withheld taxes and social security funds to the government totaling more than $13.3 million.
The case has erupted six months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina, the reigning champion and a global favorite, will face heightened international scrutiny.
The AFA manages millions of dollars from national team prize money, television rights and global sponsorships, but faces allegations that include misusing funds, influence peddling and using shell companies to purchase luxury properties and sports cars, diverting resources from core soccer activities.
Since taking office, President Javier Milei has clashed with AFA leaders over transparency issues and alleged abuse of privileges. He declined to attend the World Cup draw held Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington to avoid meeting the AFA delegation.
In a recent interview with La Nación+, Milei sharply criticized AFA President Claudio Tapia, saying he "is destroying Argentine soccer" through his management.
The government initially filed a complaint with a court specializing in economic crimes over $5.2 million in income taxes and social security taxes withheld but never paid to the government and unpaid social security contributions between 2021 and 2024.
It has now added $8.1 million for other periods and unmet social obligations, bringing the total to more than $13.3 million.
The filing, submitted digitally to the court, includes a detailed table of alleged violations. Authorities say the AFA deducted money from third parties in its role as a legal agent but failed to transfer it to the state within the 30-day period required by law. Instead, prosecutors allege, the funds were used for the association's own operations, constituting misappropriation.
As reported by Clarín, the legal text states that "there is a 30-calendar-day period after the due date to deposit the withheld tax or social security resource. Therefore, the offense of misappropriation is consummated by the total or partial omission of the deposit once the legal term has expired."
In a statement posted on X, Argentina's Justice Ministry said it will require the AFA and its professional soccer league to explain financial statements totaling more than $111 million and $340 million, respectively. The entities must address detected irregularities, including spending on activities unrelated to their nonprofit statutes.
"No one is above the law or enjoys privileges. The AFA and the professional league must meet the same requirements demanded of all registered associations and foundations," the ministry said.
Officials warned that a failure to respond could lead to severe financial penalties for the entities and their executives.
Separately, Sen. Patricia Bullrich filed a complaint with the ethics tribunal of the South American Soccer Confederation, or CONMEBOL, against AFA leaders over alleged violations of ethics and anti-corruption rules.
The complaint focuses on the acquisition of high-value properties through shell companies.
"They must thoroughly investigate this mafia that runs the AFA and stains Argentine soccer. Where is the money from advertising and the national team? Why are champion bonuses lower than Tapia's flights around the world?" Bullrich wrote on X.
The AFA responded with a statement defending its president.
"From a financial standpoint, the house of Argentine soccer was disorganized, with accumulated debts and unmet commitments to clubs. Dependence on external resources left the association without financial autonomy and with unclear administration," it said.
CONMEBOL's ethics tribunal, based in Paraguay, has received Bullrich's complaint and referred it to its collegiate members for a thorough review.
The body has precedent enforcing its ethics code, including suspensions and sanctions against officials implicated in the FIFA Gate, among them Juan Ángel Napout, a former confederation president sentenced in the United States to nine years in prison for bribery.
If irregularities such as the use of shell companies or misappropriation are confirmed, AFA leaders could face permanent bans, destabilizing the organization just ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The parallel investigations threaten to paralyze the AFA's management at a critical moment, affecting logistics for the champion team and undermining credibility with global sponsors.